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Sample four-year program:
Genetics, Cell Biology and Development

This is a sample of a typical class schedule. Your actual schedule may vary depending on your interests, credits previously completed through programs such as AP, post-secondary options, or test scores on math or chemistry placement exams.

Sample course syllabi
GCD 4034 | GCD 4134 | GCD 4143 | GCD 4151 | GCD 4161

Freshman year

Fall semester — 15-17 credits

  • Chem 1021* Chemical Principles I – 4cr
  • Math 1271** Calculus I – 4cr
  • Writ 1301 or 1401 University Writing – 4cr
  • Biol 1905 Freshman Seminar for the Biological Sciences (optional) – 1-3cr
  • Biol 1805 The Nature of Life – 2cr

*Chem 1015, 1011, or placement exam is the prerequisite to Chem 1021
** Math 1151, 1155, or placement exam is the prerequisite to Math 1271

Spring semester — 17-18 credits

  • Chem 1022 Chemical Principles II – 4cr
  • Math 1272 Calculus II – 4cr
  • Biol 2002* Foundations of Biology I – 5cr
  • Biol 1020 Biology Colloquium (optional) – 1cr
  • Liberal Education Electives – 3-4cr

* Chem 1021 is the prerequisite to Biol 2002; Biol 2002 may also be taken fall semester of sophomore year

Sophomore year

Fall semester — 15-17 credits

  • Chem 2301 Organic Chemistry I – 3cr
  • Biol 2003 Foundations of Biology II Lecture – 3cr
  • Biol 2004 Foundations of Biology II Lab – 2cr
  • Organismal Biology - Choose from animal, plant, or microbiology – 4-5cr
  • Liberal Education Electives – 3-4cr

Spring semester — 14-15 credits

  • Chem 2302 Organic Chemistry II – 3cr
  • BioC 3021 Biochemistry – 3cr
  • Liberal Education Electives – 3-4cr
  • Liberal Education Electives – 3-4cr

Junior year

Fall semester — 14-15 credits

  • Chem 2311 Organic Lab – 4cr
  • Biol 4003 Genetics – 3cr
  • Phys 1201W or 1301W Physics I – 5/4cr
  • Liberal Education Electives – 3-4cr

Spring semester — 14-16 credits

  • Biol 4004 Cell Biology – 3cr
  • Major Elective Lab (GCD 4015 or BioC 4025) and/or Major Elective (GCD 4134, GCD 4143, or GCD 4151) – 2-3cr
  • Phys 1202W or 1302W Physics II – 5/4cr
  • GCD 4994 Directed Research – 1-6cr

Senior year

Fall semester — 13-15 credits

  • Biol 3407/3408W/3409/3411 - Choose from ecology, evolution, or animal behavior – 3cr
  • Major Elective Lab (GCD 4015 or BioC 4025) and/or Major Elective (GCD 4134, GCD 4143, or GCD 4151) – 2-3cr
  • GCD 4794W Directed Research - Writing Intensive – 1-6cr
  • Liberal Education Electives – 3-4cr

Spring semester — 13-15 credits

  • Major Elective Lab (GCD 4015 or BioC 4025) and/or Major Elective (GCD 4134, GCD 4143, or GCD 4151) – 2-3cr
  • Major Elective (GCD 4134, GCD 4143, or GCD 4151) – 3cr
  • Additional credits to equal 18 for Major Electives
  • Liberal Education Electives – 3-4cr